Bentleys Hotel

Back in the 1920s, Arthur Joseph Bentley opened a small hotel in Colaba, hoping to create a quiet, welcoming retreat for families. Tucked into leafy bylanes yet close to the Gateway of India and Colaba Causeway, it soon became a favored stop for travelers looking for comfort rather than grandeur in South Mumbai.

In 1977, Homi Farrok Kaka decided to restore the hotel and chose to keep its old-world feel intact. That choice has given Bentleys a sense of continuity, with many guests returning year after year because it still carries the same charm they first fell in love with.

The first thing you notice at Bentleys is the bright blue pillar at the entrance, a cheerful marker that stands out along Colaba’s quieter lanes. Once inside, the classic, homely vibe makes it clear this isn’t a typical modern hotel. Bentleys Hotel is set inside a colonial-era building, and much of its old-world charm still lingers.

The layout is simple but full of character, with high ceilings, airy corridors, and rooms that feel more spacious than what you’d usually find in the city. Guests can choose from large family rooms, comfortable doubles, or budget-friendly options, but what ties them all together is the same vintage touch. Instead of modern gloss, the hotel has kept details that recall an earlier Bombay, with patterned mosaic floors, a winding wooden staircase, wallpapered rooms, and sturdy furniture that has lasted across decades. For ease of access, an elevator has also been added, making the stay comfortable without taking away the vintage feel. It is practical, homely, and quietly nostalgic, the kind of setting that makes you feel that you’ve stepped back into another time.

Bentleys doesn’t have a restaurant of its own, but it offers free breakfast, which makes for a relaxed start to the day. Being in Colaba, you’re also surrounded by plenty of historic cafés and eateries within walking distance.

Take Leopold Café, for instance. It’s been around since the late 1800s and, over time, has become more than just a café, part meeting spot, part hangout, always busy with travelers and locals. Then there’s Café Mondegar, with its old jukebox and colourful Mario Miranda cartoons on the walls. Open since the 1930s, it still keeps that lively, noisy spirit. And when the night stretches on but your hunger doesn’t, you’ll usually find people at Bademiya, the kebab stall that started in the 1940s and grew into a beloved institution.

Another local favourite is Pizza By The Bay, located right along the waterfront at Marine Drive. Known for its thin-crust pizzas and casual seaside vibe, it’s a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in views of the Arabian Sea.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Bentleys doesn’t have formal in-house activities, but stepping outside is where the experience truly begins. The hotel sits in the heart of Mumbai’s heritage precinct, surrounded by buildings that tell the story of the city’s colonial and Art Deco past. Take a walk and you’ll pass landmarks like the Gateway of India, Town Hall, Rajabai Clock Tower, and the historic CST Station, each with its own story to tell.

A short stroll brings you to the Afghan Church, a Gothic Revival gem built in the mid-19th century, with its striking architecture offering a quiet contrast to the bustling streets. Not far from there is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, where you can explore an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and history reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage.

For food and shopping, Colaba Causeway and Crawford Market are just a short ride away, offering everything from street stalls selling local crafts to restaurants serving traditional Indian, Continental, and international cuisine. Wandering these streets gives you a real sense of Mumbai’s vibrant energy, history, and life.

Other Celebrations

Bentleys, as a heritage property, generally does not host parties or large gatherings. However, guests are welcome to contact the hotel staff to inquire whether any special arrangements for small events or celebrations might be possible.